 |
Initiation
|
But back to the initiation. How you do this is entirely up to you, but it's similar to a baptism. Basically you are blessing or consecrating yourself and giving yourself up to the God and the Goddess. You will accept your tools, don your robe and your piece of jewelry, and accept the title of Wiccan.
Covens usually have their own initiations set up. Those may include taking your measurements (lengths of cord for your height, etc.), taking samples (such as hair, fingernails, etc.), and other such practices. Farrar's "What Witches Do" begins with a description of an Alexandrian Initiation, for those who are interested in reading more.
Since most of us in college are solitary, a self-initiation is more likely. My self-initiation was similar to my dedication. I sat and meditated, did a ritual to finish consecrating the tools I had yet to bless, and enjoyed the time to myself and the God and Goddess. It was very quiet, but it's as much an initiation as anything else. My initiation was also driven by need. I felt as though I didn't want to perform any magick until I claimed to be a full Wiccan. Two weeks before I initiated myself, we had a peeping tom in my dorm. It was the summer, and I was on the fifth floor. The first time the peeping tom showed up was on the ninth floor. The next week, despite warning flyers with descriptions on virtually every door, he struck again on the seventh floor, peering under the shower curtain while a girl took a shower. Immediately after that, I decided it was time for initiation. I held my initiation ritual one night, and a few nights later (on a full moon, I believe), put a protection spell on the bathrooms. At the end of the waning period, exactly, maintenance workers put locks on the bathroom doors for the remainder of the summer school sessions. Perhaps that wasn't all my spell's doing, but I like to think the Goddess works in mysterious ways to protect her own when we are in need. *smile*
Of course, few people should be in a time of need as a reason to initiate themselves. And there is no need to be initiated to perform magick. But that is how I felt about the situation, and it worked out in that case.
For your own initiation, you may wish to take your own measurements and bury them, celebrate with sparkling cider and cakes, or a number of other special things that you would like to do. The important thing about the actual ritual is that you write it out for yourself. Make up your own vows and chants. It becomes so much more powerful if it comes from your own heart.
Finally, always remember that the ritual, what you feel in your heart, is always more important than the props. Don't be upset if you don't have any good food or all of the tools. My first hallowed meal were a few stale gingersnaps and slightly fermented orange juice! But it felt right, and it turned out that I read later that ginger is one of the favorite foods of faeries! If you are solitary, there is no one who will tell you that you are wrong. You will always be learning, but don't forget to enjoy the journey ahead of you!
Return
to the Dedication page | WICCAN
LIFE
|
Have you studied for a year and a day? The traditional period for studying is so the practitioner is absolutely sure this is the appropriate path. Here are some books that can help move you along:
|
|
||